Record Air Pollution in Hong Kong

[Coventina]

Source: New York Times

HONG KONG — Air pollution in Hong Kong, one of the perpetual banes of living and working in this Asian financial hub, reached record levels on Monday, setting off an official government warning to avoid outdoor activities and physical exertion.

Pollution levels have been elevated in the city for days, casting a gray pall over the harbor and obscuring views of Hong Kong’s famed skyline. But by Monday afternoon, Hong Kong’s official air pollution index rose further still, to the worst levels since records began in 1995, said a spokeswoman for the Environmental Protection Department.

Pollution levels are now 12 to 14 times the amount recommended by the World Health Organization, according to the Clean Air Network, which campaigns to inform the public on Hong Kong’s pollution issues.

Air pollution index levels exceeded a measurement of 400 points at several stations, even though 100 or above is classified as “very high” and comes with the advice that people who are sensitive to pollution should reduce outdoor activities. Anything above 200 is considered “severe,” and can lead to coughing, phlegm and sore throats, the authorities warned. The previous record was 202, set in July 2008.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/science/earth/23hong.html

---

The most disgusting air I ever saw in my life was in Hong Kong....on a good day....

This is the future of the planet.

:-(

[Bigmack]

1. Alas, but you are "right" as in

correct. and we older people - like me -should be PROFOUNDLY ashamed that this is the world we are leaving our children and grandchildren.
Ms Bigmack